Quick Facts
- Continental region – Southern Africa
- Currency symbol of Angola – Angolan kwanza (Kz)
- Capital City – Luanda
- Official languages – The official language of Angola is Portuguese, Kwanyama, and Kikongo.
- Population – 33,116,269 (2020)
- Country dialling code – (+ 244)
- Official website – People’s Democratic Republic of Angola
- Top 3 biggest industries –Petroleum, mining industry, agricultural
- Google Maps link – Angola
- Where is it? – Angola is located on the southwestern Atlantic Coast of Africa between Namibia and the Republic of the Congo.
Angola In Pictures
Angola History
- How did the country get its first name? – The Portuguese given name Reino de Angola came from the title “ngola” held by kings of the Ndongo (Ndongo was a kingdom in what is now northern Angola).
- How did the country get its current name? – The country’s name derives from the Kimbundu word for king.
- When and by whom the country was first discovered? – It was first settled by San hunter-gatherer societies before the northern domains came under the rule of Bantu states such as Kongo and Ndongo. The Portuguese first arrived in 1482.
- Who were the first Inhabitants? – The first inhabitants of the area that is now Angola are thought to have been members of the hunter-gatherer Khoisan group. Bantu-speaking peoples from West Africa arrived in the region in the 13th century, partially displacing the Khoisan and establishing a number of powerful kingdoms.
- When it was first recognized as a country? – Portugal granted independence to Angola on Nov. 11, 1975, without establishing a new government. The Popular movement for the Liberation of Angola led by Agostinho Neto and based in Luanda, took power, an act that was internationally, though not universally, recognized
- Who was the first leader of the country? -Neto served as the first president (1975–79) of the People’s Republic of Angola
Five Significant Events
- 1885-1930 Colonial Control over Angola: Portugal consolidates colonial control over Angola, local resistance persists.(https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13037271)
- 1956 Independence movement: The early beginnings of the socialist guerrilla independence movement, the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), based in northern Congo. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13037271)
- 1974 Angola independence: April – Revolution in Portugal, colonial empire collapses. November – Angola independence.(https://africanbusinessmagazine.com/region/southern-africa/timeline-angolas-history-timeline)
- 1962 United Nation Condemnation: UN General Assembly censures Portugal over Angola.(https://www.onthisday.com/countries/angola/)
- 1975 Earthquake strikes Orleansville: Angola gains independence from Portugal (National Day). (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/angola)
Five Places to Visit in Algeria
- Luanda : The capital of Angola is full of stark contrasts. The beautiful Atlantic Ocean views are disrupted by busy ships and the high rise modern looking buildings are contrasted by lean to huts built to accommodate people in the rapidly expanding city.(https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g293763-Luanda_Luanda_Province-Vacations.html)
- TundaVala Volcanic Fissure : The Tundavala Fissure is one of the most spectacular natural sights in Angola. It can be found between the cities of Lubango and Namibe at an elevation of 2,600m above sea level.(https://angolaunearthed.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/angolas-icons-anthems-and-defining-figures/)
- Kissama : Only a 70km ride south from Luanda is the Parque Nacional de Kissama, a wildlife sanctuary that has utilized stunning natural settings to protect and preserve many African species. (https://www.traveldrafts.com/kissama-national-park-safari-angola/)
- Dilolo Lake : It is the largest lake in the country and serves as an important tourist spot. Despite being situated just outside of the Cameia Park boundaries, the lake is teeming with wildlife including rare bird species and aquatic life.
- Dala Water Falls : Situated in Lunda Sol, the Dala Waterfalls are about 60m high and conjure a spectacular scene with the mist and spray created from the crashing of the water on the rocks below. (https://tracks4africa.co.za/listings/item/w235762/dala-waterfalls/)
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Angola
- https://r.search.yahoo.com/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-capital-of-angola.html
- https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-continent-is-angola-in.html
- https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/angola-population/
- https://telephonedialingcode.com/angola/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-biggest-industries-in-angola.html
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Agostinho-Neto
Share comments and reactions:
LOVE IT
FUNNY
SHOCKING
INTERESTING
NOPE
